U.S. patent application number 11/278676 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for exercise mats and systems.
Invention is credited to Paul William Huffman.
Application Number | 20070226904 11/278676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38556722 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070226904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huffman; Paul William |
October 4, 2007 |
Exercise Mats and Systems
Abstract
An exercise mat may include a first portion having first and
second opposed ends in a longitudinal direction. The first portion
has a lateral dimension in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction. A second portion of the mat has first and
second opposed ends in the longitudinal direction. The first end of
the second portion may face in a direction of the second end of the
first portion. The second portion has a lateral dimension in a
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The lateral
dimension of the first portion may be about 50% to about 100%
greater that the lateral dimension of the second portion.
Inventors: |
Huffman; Paul William;
(Sterling, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NOVAK DRUCE + QUIGG LLP
10415 SOUTHERN MARYLAND BLVD.
DUNKIRK
MD
20754
US
|
Family ID: |
38556722 |
Appl. No.: |
11/278676 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/417 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/063 20130101;
A63B 23/1236 20130101; A63B 21/4037 20151001; G09F 19/22 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 23/0211
20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 71/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/417 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/06 20060101
A47G009/06 |
Claims
1. An exercise mat, comprising: a first portion having first and
second opposed ends in a longitudinal direction, the first portion
having a lateral dimension in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction; a second portion having first and second
opposed ends in the longitudinal direction, the first end of the
second portion facing in a direction of the second end of the first
portion, the second portion having a lateral dimension in a
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the lateral
dimension of the first portion being about 50% to about 100%
greater that the lateral dimension of the second portion.
2. The exercise mat of claim 1, further comprising a centerline
extending in the longitudinal direction through substantially a
center of the first portion and the second portion with respect to
a lateral dimension of the mat perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction.
3. The exercise mat of claim 1, further comprising a pair of sides
connecting the first portion to the second portion.
4. The exercise mat of claim 3, wherein each of the sides tapers
from the first portion to the second portion.
5. The exercise mat of claim 3, wherein each of the sides extends
substantially in a lateral direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction.
6. The exercise mat of claim 1, wherein the lateral dimension of
the first portion is about 75% greater that the lateral dimension
of the second portion.
7. The exercise mat of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first
portion and the second portion further comprises indicia
substantially identifying the centerline.
8. The exercise mat of claim 2, wherein the second portion further
comprises indicia substantially identifying the centerline.
9. The exercise mat of claim 2, wherein the first portion further
comprises at least one pair of indicia, said pair of indicia being
disposed substantially symmetrically on opposite sides of the
centerline.
10. The exercise mat of claim 2, wherein the first portion further
comprises a plurality of pairs of indicia, each indicia of said
pairs of indicia being disposed substantially symmetrically on
opposite sides of the centerline, each pair of indicia being
arranged in relation to the centerline so as to target at least one
different body muscle than said other pairs when performing push-up
exercises.
11. The exercise system comprising: the exercise mat of claim 1;
and a recording media, said recording media comprising instructions
pertaining to use of the mat.
12. An exercise mat, comprising: a first portion having first and
second opposed ends in a longitudinal direction, the first portion
having a lateral dimension in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction; and a second portion having first and
second opposed ends in the longitudinal direction, the first end of
the second portion facing in a direction of the second end of the
first portion, the second portion tapering from the first end
thereof to the second end thereof, the second portion having a
minimum lateral dimension in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction, said lateral dimension of the first portion
being about 50% to about 100% greater that said minimum lateral
dimension of the second portion.
13. The exercise mat of claim 12, further comprising a centerline
extending in the longitudinal direction through substantially a
center of the first portion and the second portion with respect to
a lateral dimension of the mat perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction.
14. The exercise mat of claim 12, wherein the lateral dimension of
the first portion is about 75% greater that the minimum lateral
dimension of the second portion.
15. The exercise mat of claim 13, wherein the first portion further
comprises indicia substantially identifying the centerline.
16. The exercise mat of claim 13, wherein the second portion
further comprises indicia substantially identifying the
centerline.
17. The exercise mat of claim 13, wherein the first portion further
comprises at least one pair of indicia, said pair of indicia being
disposed substantially symmetrically on opposite sides of the
centerline.
18. The exercise mat of claim 13, wherein the first portion further
comprises a plurality of pairs of indicia, each indicia of said
pairs of indicia being disposed substantially symmetrically on
opposite sides of the centerline, each pair of indicia being
arranged in relation to the centerline so as to target at least one
different body muscle than said other pairs when performing push-up
exercises.
19. The exercise system comprising: the exercise mat of claim 12;
and a recording media, said recording media comprising instructions
pertaining to use of the mat.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed generally to exercise mats
and systems. More particularly, the present invention is directed
to portable exercise mats and systems for facilitating various
exercises, including wide-arm pushups.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional exercise mats are typically rectangular in
shape. In order to minimize floor space during exercise, such mats
are typically sized such that their width is slightly wider that
the shoulder-to-shoulder distance of an average adult. Some
rectangular mats are made smaller in order to more closely match
the shoulder-to-shoulder distance of petite women or youths. Other
rectangular mats are made wider and/or longer to accommodate larger
men.
[0003] The aforementioned conventional mats may be used for sit-ups
and various other exercises. However, if used for push-ups, these
conventional mats may not be wide enough to provide a position for
a user's hands. For example, if a user performs wide-arm push-ups,
the user's hands will be off the mat and in contact with a floor.
It should be understood that the purpose for using the exercise mat
may have been to avoid contact with a dirty floor or otherwise
undesirable surface.
[0004] While some conventional mats may include marketing or
advertising indicia, such mats do not include indicia centered
along a length of the mat and/or indicia symmetrically spaced on
opposite sides of such a centerline. It may be desirable to provide
such indicia to aid a user with alignment of the torso, hands,
feet, or the like.
[0005] It may be desirable to provide an exercise mat having a wide
portion for accommodating a user's hands during exercises where the
user's arms and hands are extended away from the torso.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to various aspects, the present disclosure is
directed to an exercise mat including a first portion having first
and second opposed ends in a longitudinal direction. The first
portion has a lateral dimension in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction. A second portion of the mat has first and
second opposed ends in the longitudinal direction. The first end of
the second portion may face in a direction of the second end of the
first portion. The second portion has a lateral dimension in a
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The lateral
dimension of the first portion may be about 50% to about 100%
greater that the lateral dimension of the second portion.
[0007] In accordance with various aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to an exercise mat including a first portion having first
and second opposed ends in a longitudinal direction. The first
portion has a lateral dimension in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction. A second portion of the mat has first and
second opposed ends in the longitudinal direction. The first end of
the second portion may face in a direction of the second end of the
first portion. The second portion may taper from the first end
thereof to the second end thereof. The second portion has a minimum
lateral dimension in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction. The lateral dimension of the first portion may be about
50% to about 100% greater that the minimum lateral dimension of the
second portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary exercise mat in
accordance with various aspects of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the exercise mat of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of another exemplary exercise mat in
accordance with various aspects of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of yet another exemplary exercise mat
in accordance with various aspects of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary exercise system
in accordance with various aspects of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] An exemplary embodiment of an exercise mat 10 is illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2. The exercise mat 10 may include a first end 12
and a second end 14. The first and second ends 12, 14 may be
disposed at opposite ends of a longitudinal dimension 16 of the mat
10. The mat 10 may also include a longitudinal centerline 18
extending in a direction of the longitudinal dimension 16 (i.e., a
longitudinal direction).
[0014] The mat 10 may comprise a first end portion 30 and a second
end portion 50. According to various aspects, the first end portion
30 may extend from the first end 12 of the mat 10 toward the second
end portion 50. The first end 12 and the first end portion 30 may
have a lateral dimension 32 extending between a first side 40 and a
second side 42. The lateral dimension 32 may be substantially
constant along an entire longitudinal dimension 36 of the first end
portion 30.
[0015] According to various aspects, the second end portion 50 may
extend from the second end 14 of the mat 10 toward the first end
portion 30. The second end portion 50 may have a maximum lateral
dimension 52 extending between a third side 60 and a fourth side
62. The maximum lateral dimension 52 may be substantially constant
along at least a portion of a longitudinal dimension 56 of the
second end portion 50.
[0016] According to various aspects, the lateral dimension 32 may
be sized to be slightly larger than a width of a torso of a human
being. The maximum lateral dimension 52 may be greater than the
lateral dimension 32. For example, the maximum lateral dimension 52
may be selected such that a user can at least partly extend his or
her arms and still have his or her hands in contact with the mat
10. According to various aspects, the maximum lateral dimension 52
of the second end portion 50 may be about 50% to about 100% greater
than the lateral dimension 32 of the first end portion 30. For
example, in some aspects, the maximum lateral dimension 52 may be
about 75% greater than the lateral dimension 32.
[0017] The mat 10 may comprise a first tapered side 70 and a second
tapered side 72. In some aspects, the first tapered side 70 may
connect the first and third sides 40, 60, and the second tapered
side 72 may connect the second and fourth sides 42, 62. According
to some aspects, the mat 10 may comprise a third tapered side 74
and a fourth tapered side 76. The third tapered side 74 may connect
the third side 60 and the second end 14, while the fourth tapered
side 76 may connect the fourth side 62 and the second end 14.
[0018] It should be appreciated that, in some aspects, the first
and second tapered sides 70, 72 may comprise a portion of the first
end portion 30 and/or a portion of the second end portion 50. In
some aspects, the first and second tapered sides 70, 72 may
comprise a portion of the mat 10 independent of the first and
second end portions 30, 50.
[0019] It should be appreciated that, in some aspects, the first
and second ends 12, 14 may have substantially the same lateral
dimension, for example, if the third and fourth tapered sides 74,
76 are eliminated. In other aspects, the first and second ends 12,
14 may have different lateral dimensions. In any event, the lateral
dimension of the second end 14 should not exceed the maximum
lateral dimension 52, although in some aspects, the second end 14
may have a lateral dimension substantially equal to the maximum
lateral dimension 52.
[0020] The mat 10 may include indicia to facilitate proper
alignment by a user during exercise, for example, when doing
push-ups. In some exemplary aspects, the mat 10 may include first
indicia 80 substantially centered on the second end portion 50 with
respect to the maximum lateral dimension 52. The first indicia 80
may comprise a line, or it may comprise a shape such as, for
example, a diamond (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), circle, square,
rectangle, triangle, or any desired shape.
[0021] Second indicia 82 and third indicia 84 may be substantially
symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the first indicia 80 in
reference to the maximum lateral dimension 52. Each of the second
and third indicia 82, 84 may comprise at least one marking such as,
for example, a line segment or shape. According to various aspects,
if different sizes and/or shapes are used, matching sizes and
shapes may be substantially symmetrically disposed on opposite
sides of the first indicia 80.
[0022] The mat 10 may include fourth indicia 86 substantially
centered on the first end portion 30 with respect to the lateral
dimension 32. The fourth indicia 86 may comprise a line, as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2, or it may comprise a shape such as, for example,
a diamond, circle, square, rectangle, triangle, or any desired
shape. The central indicia 80, 86 and/or the symmetrical locations
of second and third indicia 82, 84 may facilitate a user's
determination of proper hand, torso, and/or foot alignment on the
mat 10.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, another exemplary embodiment of an
exercise mat 110 is shown. The exercise mat 110 may include a first
end 112 and a second end 114. The first and second ends 112, 114
may be disposed at opposite ends of a longitudinal dimension 116 of
the mat 110. The mat 110 may also include a longitudinal centerline
118 extending in a direction of the longitudinal dimension 116
(i.e., a longitudinal direction). According to various aspects, the
first end 12 may have a lateral dimension 132.
[0024] According to various aspects, the mat 110 may comprise a
wide portion 150. The wide portion 150 may extend from the second
end 114 of the mat 110 toward the first end 112. The wide portion
150 may have a maximum lateral dimension 152 extending between a
first side 160 and a second side 162. The maximum lateral dimension
152 may be substantially constant along at least a portion of a
longitudinal dimension 156 of the wide portion 150.
[0025] According to various aspects, the lateral dimension 132 may
be sized to be slightly larger than a width of a torso of a human
being. The maximum lateral dimension 152 may be greater than the
lateral dimension 132. For example, the maximum lateral dimension
152 may be selected such that a user can at least partly extend his
or her arms and still have his or her hands in contact with the mat
110. According to various aspects, the maximum lateral dimension
152 of the second end portion 150 may be about 50% to about 100%
greater than the lateral dimension 132 of the first end portion
130. For example, in some aspects, the maximum lateral dimension
152 may be about 75% greater than the lateral dimension 132.
[0026] The mat 110 may comprise a first tapered side 170 and a
second tapered side 172. In some aspects, the first tapered side
170 may connect the first end 112 and the first side 160, and the
second tapered side 172 may connect the first end 112 and the
second side 162. According to some aspects, the mat 110 may
comprise a third tapered side 174 and a fourth tapered side 176.
The third tapered side 174 may connect the first side 160 and the
second end 114, while the fourth tapered side 176 may connect the
second side 162 and the second end 114.
[0027] It should be appreciated that, in some aspects, the first
and second tapered sides 170, 172 may comprise a portion of the
wide portion 150. In some aspects, the first and second tapered
sides 170, 172 may comprise portion of the mat 110 independent of
the wide portion 150.
[0028] It should be appreciated that, in some aspects, the first
and second ends 112, 114 may have substantially the same lateral
dimension, for example, if the third and fourth tapered sides 174,
176 are eliminated. In other aspects, the first and second ends
112, 114 may have different lateral dimensions. In any event, the
lateral dimension of the second end 114 should not exceed the
maximum lateral dimension 152, although in some aspects, the second
end 114 may have a lateral dimension substantially equal to the
maximum lateral dimension 152.
[0029] The mat 110 may include indicia to facilitate proper
alignment by a user during exercise, for example, when doing
push-ups. In some exemplary aspects, the mat 110 may include first
indicia 180 substantially centered on the wide portion 150 with
respect to the maximum lateral dimension 152. The first indicia 180
may comprise a line, or it may comprise a shape such as, for
example, a diamond (as shown in FIG. 3), circle, square, rectangle,
triangle, or any desired shape.
[0030] Second indicia 182 and third indicia 184 may be
substantially symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the first
indicia 180 in reference to the maximum lateral dimension 152. Each
of the second and third indicia 182, 184 may comprise at least one
marking such as, for example, a line segment or shape. According to
various aspects, if different sizes and/or shapes are used,
matching sizes and shapes may be substantially symmetrically
disposed on opposite sides of the first indicia 180.
[0031] The mat 110 may include fourth indicia 186 proximate the
first end 112 and substantially centered with respect to the
lateral dimension 132. The fourth indicia 186 may comprise a line,
as shown in FIG. 3, or it may comprise a shape such as, for
example, a diamond, circle, square, rectangle, triangle, or any
desired shape. The central indicia 180, 186 and/or the symmetrical
locations of second and third indicia 182, 184 may facilitate a
user's determination of proper hand, torso, and/or foot alignment
on the mat 110.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, another exemplary embodiment of an
exercise mat 210 is shown. The exercise mat 210 may include a first
end 212 and a second end 214. The first and second ends 212, 214
may be disposed at opposite ends of a longitudinal dimension 216 of
the mat 210. The mat 210 may also include a longitudinal centerline
218 extending in a direction of the longitudinal dimension 216
(i.e., a longitudinal direction).
[0033] The mat 210 may comprise a first end portion 230 and a
second end portion 250. According to various aspects, the first end
portion 30 may extend from the first end 212 of the mat 210 toward
the second end portion 250. The first end 212 and the first end
portion 230 may have a lateral dimension 232 extending between a
first side 240 and a second side 242. The lateral dimension 232 may
be substantially constant along an entire longitudinal dimension
236 of the first end portion 230.
[0034] According to various aspects, the second end portion 250 may
extend from the second end 214 of the mat 210 toward the first end
portion 230. The second end portion 250 may have a maximum lateral
dimension 252 extending between a third side 260 and a fourth side
262. The maximum lateral dimension 252 may be substantially
constant along at least a portion of a longitudinal dimension 256
of the second end portion 250.
[0035] According to various aspects, the lateral dimension 232 may
be sized to be slightly larger than a width of a torso of a human
being. The maximum lateral dimension 252 may be greater than the
lateral dimension 232. For example, the maximum lateral dimension
252 may be selected such that a user can at least partly extend his
or her arms and still have his or her hands in contact with the mat
210. According to various aspects, the maximum lateral dimension
252 of the second end portion 250 may be about 50% to about 100%
greater than the lateral dimension 232 of the first end portion
230. For example, in some aspects, the maximum lateral dimension
252 may be about 75% greater than the lateral dimension 232.
[0036] It should be appreciated that, in some aspects, a portion of
the first and second sides 240, 240 may comprise a portion of the
first end portion 230 and a portion of the second end portion 250.
In some aspects, a portion of the first and second sides 240, 240
may comprise a portion of the mat 210 independent of the first and
second end portions 230, 250.
[0037] It should be appreciated that, in some aspects, the first
and second ends 212, 214 may have different lateral dimensions. In
some aspects, for example if tapered sides were added between the
second end 214 and the third and fourth sides 260, 262, the first
and second sides 212, 214 may have substantially the same lateral
dimension. In any event, the lateral dimension of the second end
214 should not exceed the maximum lateral dimension 252, although
in some aspects, the second end 214 may have a lateral dimension
substantially equal to the maximum lateral dimension 252.
[0038] The mat 210 may include indicia to facilitate proper
alignment by a user during exercise, for example, when doing
push-ups. In some exemplary aspects, the mat 210 may include first
indicia 280 substantially centered on the second end portion 250
with respect to the maximum lateral dimension 252. The first
indicia 280 may comprise a line, or it may comprise a shape such
as, for example, a diamond (as shown in FIG. 4), circle, square,
rectangle, triangle or any desired shape.
[0039] Second indicia 282 and third indicia 284 may be
substantially symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the first
indicia 280 in reference to the maximum lateral dimension 252. Each
of the second and third indicia 282, 284 may comprise at least one
marking such as, for example, a line segment or shape. According to
various aspects, if different sizes and/or shapes are used,
matching sizes and shapes may be substantially symmetrically
disposed on opposite sides of the first indicia 280.
[0040] The mat 210 may include fourth indicia 286 substantially
centered on the first end portion 230 with respect to the lateral
dimension 232. The fourth indicia 286 may comprise a line, as shown
in FIG. 4, or it may comprise a shape such as, for example, a
diamond, circle, square, rectangle, triangle, or any desired shape.
The central indicia 80, 86 and/or the symmetrical locations of
second and third indicia 282, 284 may facilitate a user's
determination of proper hand, torso, and/or foot alignment on the
mat 210.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary exercise system 500 is
shown. The exercise system 500 may comprise any one of the
aforementioned exercise mats 10, 110, 210 and a recording media
510. The exercise mat 10, 110, 210 may be manipulated, for example,
by rolling up, folding, or the like, into a bundled configuration,
which may be more convenient for transporting, storing, or the
like. A band 512 such as, for example, a string, elastic band,
cloth band, or the like, may be wrapped around the bundled mat to
maintain such a configuration.
[0042] According to various aspects, the recording media 510 may
comprise a compact disc (CD), video compact disc (VCD), digital
video disc (DVD), video cassette, audio cassette, or any known
media. The recording media 510 may contain audio and/or visual
explanations and/or demonstrations of various exercises that may be
performed on the mat. For example, the media 510 may describe the
relationship between the various indicia 80, 82, 84, 86, 180, 182,
184, 186, 280, 282, 284, 286 on the respective mat 10, 110, 210 and
provide instructions for various exercises that associate the
placement of various body parts with certain indicia to maximize
the effectiveness of a workout.
[0043] It should be appreciated that the second end portion 50, 250
and/or end portion 150 may have edges that are more or less rounded
than those illustrated. In some aspects, one or more of those
corners may be squared off. It should also be appreciated that the
second end portion 50, 250 and/or end portion 150 may have a shape
different from those illustrated, such as, for example, a circle,
an oval, or the like.
[0044] One skilled in the art would appreciate that the mat 10,
110, 210 may be constructed of any known material. For example, in
accordance with a user's desires, the mat 10, 110, 210 may be
cushioned, firm, soft, etc.
[0045] In use, a user positions his or her body over the mat 10,
110, 210 such that at least the user's shoulders and arms are
positioned over the second end portion 50, 250 or end portion 150
in the maximum lateral dimension 52, 152, 252. The user's body may
extend in the longitudinal direction of the mat 10, 110, 210 such
that the user's feet may be positioned proximate the first end 12,
112, 212.
[0046] According to various aspects, the user may use the various
indicia to assist with aligning his or her torso, hands, feet,
toes, etc. The user may align his or her hands with a pair of
indicia substantially equally spaced symmetrically on opposite
sides of the longitudinal centerline of the mat. It should be
appreciated that different pairs of indicia may be used to position
the user for various exercises designed to target different
muscles. The media 510 may describe and/or demonstrate such
positioning and exercises.
[0047] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the exercise mats and
systems of the present invention without departing from the scope
of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the
specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is
intended that the specification and examples be considered as
exemplary only.
* * * * *